Syracuse, N.Y. — With two weeks left before Parris Bennett packs his bags for Syracuse, the incoming SU linebacker is preparing to get one last taste of the Ohio-Michigan rivalry.

Bennett and his Michigan teammates will take on Ohio in the Ohio-Michigan Border Classic on Saturday at 1 p.m at Donnell Stadium in Findlay, Ohio. ESPNU offered to televise the game, but a deal fell through according to ElevenWarriors.com. It is unclear if the game will be streamed online.

"I'm pretty confident in our team," Bennett said on Friday. "And of course Michigan-Ohio, it's just a natural thing."

Bennett, who described the opportunity to play against Ohio's best as something he's always wanted to do, has spent the last couple days practicing with his fellow statesmen in Findlay. He suited up against many of his temporary teammates during his career at University of Detroit Jesuit High School, and worked out with others at camps.

Only one in that group — safety Dillon Dixon — has Bennett lined up alongside before. They were teammates at U-D Jesuit.

"It's been very special just to be on the field with Dylan one last time," Bennett said.

Michigan has five linebackers on its roster, but only one primary middle linebacker, Bennett said. So while his natural position in strong-side linebacker, he'll also rotate into the middle for some series.

"In a couple packages, I actually play D-end," Bennett said. "Like on third and long, the MIKE linebacker, you drop down and play D-end."

After Saturday, Bennett will have Syracuse solely in his sights. And with first-year head coach Oscar Olejniczak bringing a college-style system and experience to the U-D Jesuit program, Bennett feels prepared to hit the ground running.

Said Bennett: "When I get to Syracuse, I'll just want to contribute any way I can. I want to come in and compete for a spot."